10 Best Programs for Vector Graphic Newbies

Vector graphics are often viewed to be in the shadow of their pixelated peers. Yet for certain designs they can help your creativity and make life easier.

In comparison to pixel graphics, vectors are extremely flexible, particularly when editing and printing images. This is what makes them so useful for you and your designs. They can be printed using flex and flocking process, giving buyers of your designs even more options for customization. But let’s start with a question.

What are the advantages of vector graphics?

For a more in-depth look at the differences between vector and pixel graphics, have a look at this article. Here’s a quick summary:

Pixel graphics, such as photos, are made up of thousands of dots of color (pixels). The more pixels a photo has the better the resolution. Better resolution means higher quality if you’re wanting to enlarge the image. However, photos with higher resolution produce bigger files. And bigger files, as we all know, can quickly fill up your smartphone memory.

Vector graphics, on the other hand, are made up of geometrical shapes. These shapes are based upon mathematical formulas. This means there are no issues when it comes to enlarging or shrinking pictures. The files are also very small, and you can also change the colors in the files easily. As such, even buyers of your designs can change them directly on the marketplace.

You’re now keen to get into the vector graphics game? Then check out our insight into some of the best vector graphics programs around. Find the one which is best for you, it’s that simple.

Commercial Programs for Vector Graphics

1. Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is the undisputed market leader for vector graphics programs. The software is easy to use, and the tools, features, and community support are great. Sadly it’s not the cheapest and the range of functions can be a little overwhelming for beginners.

Pros | Cons

Works seamlessly in combination with other Adobe programs

Available on all systems

Huge range of functions

Extremely precise, endless resolution

Lots of tutorials available, for beginners right through to advanced users

Expensive

Only available with a subscription

User interface and range of functions can be a little challenging for beginners.

Systems: All

Designer skill level: Advanced/professional

Link: https://www.adobe.com/uk/

Tutorial: https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/creative-cloud/tutorials-explore.html

2. Corel Draw

The range of functions from Corel Draw is a bit more modest than top dogs Adobe. But there is still a lot to fulfil almost all your vector needs. The program allows illustrators to design a user interface that works for them. If you buy Corel Draw as a packet graphic suite, it’s a lot cheaper.

Pros | Cons

Different software packets which can be adjust to the needs of the users

Up-to-date content and tools

Can be used for any type of creative work

Only the most expensive packet is available for Macs

The desktop version is still the 2021 version, the updated features only come with a subscription

The subscription version is expensive

Systems: All

Designer skill level: Beginner to professional

Link: https://www.coreldraw.com/en/

Tutorial: https://www.coreldraw.com/en/learn/tutorials/

3. Affinity Designer

Another strong alternative to Illustrator or Corel Draw is Affinity Designer. It doesn’t have such an endless range of functions like the previous two examples, but it has more than enough for quick and effective, creative projects.

Pros | Cons

Easy to learn and use

Much quicker than Illustrator

Much cheaper than Illustrator and similar programs

Unable to automatically convert pixel graphics into vector graphics

Systems: All

Designer skill level: Beginner to professional

Link: https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/

Tutorials: https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/learn/

4. Sketch

Although Sketch was actually developed for UX and web designers, it actually works nicely as a platform for creating printable vector files.

Pros | Cons

Cheap

Clear and easy interface

Intuitive tools and functions

30-day test version available

Limited text functions

Only compatible with a few file types Only available for Mac

System: Mac

Designer skill level: Beginner to advanced

Link: https://www.sketch.com/

Tutorials: https://www.sketch.com/blog/sketch-tutorials/

5. Boxy SVG

This program is minimalistic and focused on usability, making it ideal for those starting out with vector graphics.

Pros | Cons

Very cheap

Easy to learn

Intuitive interface

Only has basic functions

Only compatible with a few file types

Systems: All including a web app

Designer skill level: Beginner

Link: https://boxy-svg.com/app or in the app store

Tutorials: https://boxy-svg.com/tutorials

6. Graphic

A nice tool for drawing vector graphics, designed for Apple users.

Pros | Cons

Cheap

Easy to use

Can be synchronised with iCloud

Only available for Macs and iPads

Lack of advanced features

Irregular updates

Problems when importing pdf files

Systems: MacOS & iOS

Designer skill level: Beginner to intermediate

Link: https://www.graphic.com/

Tutorials: https://www.graphic.com/tutorials/

Free Software

7. Vectornator

Vectornator is an amazing, tool for creating illustrations, logos and typefaces on Apple devices.

Pros | Cons

Free

Can automatically transform pixel graphics into vectors

Easy to learn

Can be used intuitively with precision

Only available for Macs & iPads

Cannot be individualised

Systems: MacOS & iOS

Designer skill level: Beginner to professional

Link: Find it in the Apple store

Tutorials: https://www.vectornator.io/learn

8. Inkscape

Inkscape is the most well-known of the free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator. Mastering this program can take time but once users have gotten used to it, great designs and illustrations can be made.

Pros | Cons

Free

User friendly interface

Advanced features

Large files slow the program down

Tools for text formatting are quite weak

Takes time to really learn how to use it

Systems: All

Designer skill level: Beginner

Link: https://inkscape.org/

Tutorials: https://inkscape.org/learn/?switchlang=en

9. Vectr

Vectr is a great tool if you don’t have any experience in designing vector graphics. It’s got all the important basic functions for all the amateur designers out there. Get it as a web app or in the desktop version.

Pros | Cons

Free

Easy and quick to learn

Simple interface

Good for cooperative projects due to the ability to share URLs

Only basic functions

Internet connection necessary

Systems: All

Designer skill level: Beginner

Link: https://vectr.com

Tutorials: https://www.designer.io/en/tutorials/

10. Gravit Designer

The basic version from Gravit Designer is a free web app which you can use with any system. Just like Vectr, it only offers basic functions.

Pros | Cons

Free

Easy and quick to learn

Simple interface

Files are saved automatically every 5 minutes

Several files can be saved in the cloud

Only basic functions

Internet connection necessary

Files cant be shared for cooperative work

Systems: All

Designer skill level: Beginner

Link: https://www.designer.io/en/

Tutorials: https://www.designer.io/en/tutorials/

These 10 software tips will set you up nicely to begin designing some amazing vector graphics. Maybe you already have some experience with these programs and have some further tips? Let us know in the comments. If you’re more interested in pixel graphics, then check out the top 10 list we made for them.